[Reindeer]

OK, have to ask this question. Was reading a preview of the book “Total Control” online last night, and it was going into physical fitness for riding. The way the book came across, and a few comments I have seen elsewhere would make it seem like a person needs to be in great physical shape if not an outright athlete before they can ride.

I won’t deny that getting exercise is important… and I do try to get in some walking every other day or so. The question is what level of fitness is necessary just to ride? I’m not planning to race or anything of that nature. Thing is, I am an overweight IT consultant who spends a significant portion of the day in front of a computer terminal (and trying to be honest about it! LOL!). Is this something I need to work on before I should even think about starting to ride? Or is it something that I can do while I work on getting in better physical shape?

[ranette]

Certainly decent upper body strength is helpful, especially just pushing the bike around when not riding. However for recreational riding I can’t imagine that being overweight would be an obstacle. I live on a road where countless bikes ride by every day and I’d say a fair portion of riders would have to be considered out of shape. It does appear as if most riders of sportbikes seem to be in better shape than their cruising brethren.

[Munch]

I think it would be more aimed towards persons who are “frail”. Meaning they wouldn’t have the upper or lower body strength to handle the bike in slow turns and maybe save it from a stopped drop. Leg strength at a stop will help as much as your arms to give you leverage to keep the bike from going over… ofcourse theres that what….5 degrees of lean that you actually have that chance? Other reasons I could think is at the very least you find yourself under the bike and on the ground you can atleast kick yourself out from under it.
Other health questions people need to be honest with themselves about… seizures, eye sight, reflex, back troubles etc. If your wearing a full face helmet…. asthma, claustrophobia…. and obvious…allergies (how quick are you gonna be able to get that visor up at 75 mph should you need to sneeze?) . Knee replacements and joint work. Hip replacements…. etc.

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h

[Loki]

I also think its more towards sport bikes then crusiers. Sport bikes demand more form your body so you need to be in shape in order to handle it better, also the riding postitions isnt the best for someone who would make the bike “Too top heavy”.
I see biiggg guys on HD all the time.
What type of bike do you want?

[nau_lax21]

i think you definitely need to be in great shape to ride. if you really want to be adequately safe on a bike… you need to be able to win a foot race with housain bolt and then kick kimbo slices ass.

nah, some general body strength for sure helps. upper body and core strength will help you with control of the bike and leg strength can for sure help if youre about to drop the bike.

you described yourself as “overweight,” i think if youre not in shape it would be better to be overweight then twigly skinny with no body strength.

and look at those cruiser guys, theres a good number of them who dont seem to care too much about fitness (no offense)

if i were you i wouldnt worry too much about it, just work on developing good skills. a smart rider is much better than a physically fit rider

[Andrew]

I find the leg strength more useful with my Ninja as it turns so easily. It’s not that hard to move around on foot either.

[ilnam]

Balance and posture are important as well. And you’d want to be flexible enough to actually swing your leg over the bike without needing a crane to drop you onboard. Anyway, go ahead and get thinking about riding. I think you’re good to go, but I do always recommend good physical health in general too. Get your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes with some jogging and don’t forget some strength training. As you get older, you’ll really need to work on maintaining your muscle mass.

[Rupmisc]

I’m 54, and don’t lift weights. Not in bad shape, not in great shape.

On any bike where your position is leaning forward (i.e. sportbike) you need to be able to hold your body up (back and core strength), especially at lower speeds. It also helps to be able to use your legs, thigh muscles to move you around, or lift you off the seat. Flexibility helps too.

Good news: I suspect most people, especially those under 40 are in good enough shape. Also, riding the bike gets you in shape.IMHO.

[Budd]

Riding a motorcycle will work your muscles. Oh and Nau_Lax21, I could take kimbo in 14 seconds, but I would rather grapple with Gina Carano.

“I am the best there is at what I do, and what I do ain’t nice.”-Wolverine

[Dagger]

After being out of riding for 25 years and not keeping myself in the best physical condition, I have noticed that riding is taking a toll on my body right now.. My legs mostly.. Sore muscles.. leg cramps.. But I figure these will pass in time with more riding.. Also I’ve had a bad back for 20 years.. So it’s been a bit more sore than usual.. But nothing I can’t tolerate.. Also from the sitting potion of the cruiser I sometimes get some pain in my hip.. But that seems to be happening less since I’ve been riding regularly..

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Candice]

I see plenty of people riding who are not even close to athlete status, they do just fine. You will be fine too and I am sure you will burn more calories riding than sitting in your car so that’s a plus! I have to say, though, that my freakin’ hands are killing me! I hope I don’t get man hands from working the clutch and front break. I think I’ll be getting popeye forearms too.

[Candice]

Yeah, and Kimbo Slice sucked before he got beat by that petrozelli or whatever his name is. Although I give props to him because he has accomplished a lot from being homeless and stuff but he needs more training. They made too big a deal over him.

[Andrew]

I do wight training 3 days a week and I notice my clutch hand on the ride home.

[Author]

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